Development of a metal hydride actuator driven only by solar heat

A metal hydride (MH) actuator provides mechanical work by applying the hydrogen pressure transition that originates from the reversible reaction of the MH alloy as it absorbs and desorbs hydrogen gas. The MH actuators that have been reported employ a Peltier element or an electrical heating resistance wire as a heat source. This paper describes the design of an MH actuator that is driven by low-quality heat sources, such as solar heat. A certain composition of a LaNi₅-based alloy that produces desorbing and absorbing reactions through a low-temperature difference is specified. This alloy composition can provide a large amount of hydrogen desorption using solar heat and a large amount of hydrogen absorption by natural air cooling in an adequate reaction time. To improve the moving speed and to control the performance, a reciprocating air compressor that applies this solar heat-driven MH actuator is proposed. These findings support the efficacy of an MH actuator operating without electric or fossil fuel energy consumption.